Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues at the Scottish Parliament Launch of the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal, which this year marks 100 years of the Poppy.

Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising supports the charity’s life-changing work delivering support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland through tailored funding and assistance.  The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.

2021 marks 100 years of the Poppy and with last year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal being badly impacted by the pandemic, the centenary Appeal takes on an even greater significance. This year’s Appeal will also see a newly designed centenary Poppy marking this meaningful date with 100 embossed in gold lettering.

Speaking after the launch, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I have always strongly supported the Scottish Poppy Appeal and the work of Poppyscotland and was pleased to be able to join colleagues at the launch of this year’s special Centenary Appeal at Holyrood.

“As well as being the official launch of the 2021 appeal, which marks 100 years of the Poppy, the reception was also an opportunity to acknowledge the most recent recipients of the President’s Award, given in recognition of the remarkable work undertaken by Poppyscotland’s most dedicated volunteers.

“They are among Scotland’s most committed and hard-working volunteers, collectively putting decades of effort into fundraising activity in support of Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“I thank all of these heroic volunteers, especially those who are active across the South of Scotland, and urge the public to show their usual support for the Appeal and help Poppyscotland raise the funds it needs to continue its vital work.”

Further information about this year’s appeal and how the public can support it can be found at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.